A 56-year-old man from Blackburn has been sentenced to nine years and six months in prison for the historic rape and indecent assault of a 13-year-old girl. Craig Hodgson, of Railton Avenue, was found guilty by a jury at Preston Crown Court last week. The sentencing hearing was a culmination of a long and arduous process for the victim, who has had to relive the trauma of the abuse through the trial.
The Offences
The offences took place over 20 years ago, in 2002, when Hodgson was in his 30s. He would invite the victim and her friends into his home, where he would play truth or dare games with them. On one occasion, he dared the victim to kiss him on the mouth, offering her £10 after she seemed apprehensive. He also dared the victim and one of her friends to kiss each other for his own sexual gratification. These games were a clever ruse, designed to break down the victim’s defenses and create a false sense of trust.
Hodgson’s actions were a classic example of grooming, a process by which a predator gains the trust of a victim and manipulates them into engaging in sexual activity. In this case, Hodgson used his position of authority and trust to exploit the victim, who was just 13 years old at the time. The fact that he was able to convince the victim to engage in these games, and ultimately to commit the horrific offences, is a testament to his cunning and manipulative nature.
The Night of the Offences
On the night of the offences, Hodgson took the underage girls to a bar in Blackburn, where they became intoxicated. He then took them back to his house, where he carried out the horrific offences against the victim. The other two girls managed to escape, but the victim was left vulnerable and unable to defend herself. This was a deliberate and calculated move by Hodgson, who knew that the victim was in a state of vulnerability and would be unable to resist his advances.
The fact that Hodgson was able to take advantage of the victim in this way is a stark reminder of the dangers of predatory behavior. It highlights the need for vigilance and awareness, particularly among young people, who may be more susceptible to manipulation and exploitation.
The Victim’s Statement
In a statement read out in court, the victim described how the events of that night had “haunted much of my life.” She said she felt guilty for being conned into playing games with a predator and that it was “something of your darkest nightmares being the victim of a sex offender.” The victim’s statement was a powerful and emotional testament to the lasting impact of the abuse.
The victim’s words are a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of predatory behavior. They highlight the need for support and understanding, particularly among victims of abuse, who may struggle to come to terms with their experiences.
The Sentence
Hodgson was sentenced to nine years and six months in prison, with a requirement to serve two-thirds of that sentence before being released on licence. He will also be subject to sexual offender notification requirements indefinitely. This sentence is a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victim, and it sends a clear message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated in society.
The sentence is also a testament to the strength and courage of the victim, who has come forward to share her story and seek justice. It is a reminder that victims of abuse are not alone, and that there is support and justice available to them.
Judge’s Remarks
In sentencing, Judge Michael Maher described how Hodgson had been “sexually grooming” the victim and had a “sexual interest in underage girls” at the time of the offences. He praised the victim for her “great courage and strength of character” throughout the proceedings.
Judge Maher’s remarks were a powerful condemnation of Hodgson’s actions, and they highlighted the need for vigilance and awareness in preventing predatory behavior. They also praised the victim for her bravery and resilience, and they acknowledged the significant impact that the abuse has had on her life.
Police Statement
DC Vicky Heys, of Lancashire Police, commended the victim for coming forward and reporting the abuse. She said: “Hodgson is clearly a paedophile who has an interest in young girls and who took steps to groom and then indecently assault and rape a young teenager for his own sexual gratification and irregardless of the lasting damage it would cause his young victim.”
DC Heys’ statement was a powerful condemnation of Hodgson’s actions, and it highlighted the need for support and understanding among victims of abuse. It also praised the victim for her bravery and resilience, and it acknowledged the significant impact that the abuse has had on her life.
Impact on the Victim
The assault has had a lasting impact on the victim, who has had to deal with the trauma and emotional scars of the abuse . The court’s decision to convict Hodgson is a testament to the strength and courage of the victim, who has come forward to share her story and seek justice.
The victim’s bravery is a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out against abuse. It highlights the need for support and understanding, particularly among victims of abuse, who may struggle to come to terms with their experiences.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Craig Hodgson is a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victim. It sends a clear message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated in society, and that perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions.
The case is also a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance and awareness in preventing predatory behavior. It highlights the importance of supporting and believing victims of abuse, and it acknowledges the significant impact that abuse can have on a person’s life.
Ultimately, the sentencing of Craig Hodgson is a testament to the strength and courage of the victim, who has come forward to share her story and seek justice. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out against abuse, and it highlights the need for support and understanding among victims of abuse.